During the early 1970s, the United States was enthralled again with a civil rights movement. The call for equity between men and women was growing louder, and with it rose a form of alternative theatre, Feminist Theatre. This new theatre movement was given birth in the wake of second wave US feminism, and greatly supported the cause of women across the country. Many feminist theatres organized together in major urban areas, and banded together in order to spread their ideas and movement. The hope of the activists in these theatres was to "revise interpersonal relationships and cultural value systems according to more egalitarian ideology" (Cambridge Guide to American Theatre). Overtime, the movement grew and organizations, like the National Organization for Women (NOW), become prominent heads of the movement for equality. "Early feminist theatre began as a voice of radical feminism," thus many different groups formed with many having a unique agenda (Cambridge Guide to American Theatre). Feminist Theatres were not alone. Many other alternative theatres existed, but most failed to give light and care to the plights of women across America. Rather they focused on and opposed other events, such as the Vietnam War. A prominent feminist theatre, Omaha Magic Theatre, was established by Megan Terry and Roberta Sklar. They are now regarded as avid supporters of the feminist movement. Eventually, the constant light cast on gender issues in America caused many Americans to finally recognize the "gender gap" that existed in the country. Also, thanks to the brave pioneering of young and old feminists alike women began to be awarded major awards in "Mainstream theatre" (Cambridge Guide to American Theatre). Feminist theatre helped pave the way for gender equality, and it still continues to touch Americans today.
Susan Glaspell's one act play, Trifles, sheds light on the way of life for many American women. Glaspell's Trifles tells the story of how Minnie Foster Wright murders her own husband due to his psychological and emotional abuse. This one act play showcases feminist theatre, because it reveals the unspoken oppression of society on the lives of women. Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale are constantly demeaned by the County Attorney, and they are considered solely as house keepers. Yet, when the women are left alone they discuss the situation they find themselves. This "validates women's personal lives" by casting a light on that the women do not just simply discuss their knitting or the weather. The women in Trifles are one step ahead of the men. They understand why Minnie Foster Wright kills John Wright. The motive is only obvious to the women, because they understand the lives of other women and are not biased by "social norms" like the men. Glaspell's Trifles seeks to disapprove of the gender rules constructed by society. It showcases, that women are not defenseless but have the ability to alter their future instead of live under the thumb of society and men. Trifles is an eyeopener to the abuse women can face, and seeks to unite women by having the plot focused around two women who begin to understand that Minnie Foster Wright had to act.
Feminist Theatre and Trifles
During the early 1970s, the United States was enthralled again with a civil rights movement. The call for equity between men and women was growing louder, and with it rose a form of alternative theatre, Feminist Theatre. This new theatre movement was given birth in the wake of second wave US feminism, and greatly supported the cause of women across the country. Many feminist theatres organized together in major urban areas, and banded together in order to spread their ideas and movement. The hope of the activists in these theatres was to "revise interpersonal relationships and cultural value systems according to more egalitarian ideology" (Cambridge Guide to American Theatre). Overtime, the movement grew and organizations, like the National Organization for Women (NOW), become prominent heads of the movement for equality. "Early feminist theatre began as a voice of radical feminism," thus many different groups formed with many having a unique agenda (Cambridge Guide to American Theatre). Feminist Theatres were not alone. Many other alternative theatres existed, but most failed to give light and care to the plights of women across America. Rather they focused on and opposed other events, such as the Vietnam War. A prominent feminist theatre, Omaha Magic Theatre, was established by Megan Terry and Roberta Sklar. They are now regarded as avid supporters of the feminist movement. Eventually, the constant light cast on gender issues in America caused many Americans to finally recognize the "gender gap" that existed in the country. Also, thanks to the brave pioneering of young and old feminists alike women began to be awarded major awards in "Mainstream theatre" (Cambridge Guide to American Theatre). Feminist theatre helped pave the way for gender equality, and it still continues to touch Americans today.
Susan Glaspell's one act play, Trifles, sheds light on the way of life for many American women. Glaspell's Trifles tells the story of how Minnie Foster Wright murders her own husband due to his psychological and emotional abuse. This one act play showcases feminist theatre, because it reveals the unspoken oppression of society on the lives of women. Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale are constantly demeaned by the County Attorney, and they are considered solely as house keepers. Yet, when the women are left alone they discuss the situation they find themselves. This "validates women's personal lives" by casting a light on that the women do not just simply discuss their knitting or the weather. The women in Trifles are one step ahead of the men. They understand why Minnie Foster Wright kills John Wright. The motive is only obvious to the women, because they understand the lives of other women and are not biased by "social norms" like the men. Glaspell's Trifles seeks to disapprove of the gender rules constructed by society. It showcases, that women are not defenseless but have the ability to alter their future instead of live under the thumb of society and men. Trifles is an eyeopener to the abuse women can face, and seeks to unite women by having the plot focused around two women who begin to understand that Minnie Foster Wright had to act.